National Ice Cream Day 2026: The Orlando Ice Cream Trail Plus Local Favorites Across Central Florida
National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19, 2026 — right in the middle of Orlando’s first-ever “Thrill to Chill” Ice Cream Trail, a free self-guided trail from Visit Orlando and Florida Dairy Farmers running through July 31. But Central Florida’s ice cream scene stretches well beyond the trail map, with local favorites worth a visit from Seminole County to Volusia, Lake, and Osceola.
What Is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday of July every year, and in 2026 that’s July 19th. It caps off National Ice Cream Month and gives the whole region a good excuse to go looking for a cold treat.
What Is the Orlando Ice Cream Trail?
The Orlando Ice Cream Trail is a free digital-pass experience featuring more than two dozen local ice cream shops, running from May 22 through July 31, 2026. Sign up for the free digital pass through Visit Orlando, check in at participating locations, earn points, and unlock a prize at the end.
Which Ice Cream Trail Stops Are in Seminole County?
The Orlando Ice Cream Trail includes two confirmed stops in Seminole County — one in Sanford, one in Oviedo. The Greenery Creamery has a location inside Henry’s Depot in Historic Downtown Sanford, serving scratch-made traditional and vegan ice cream in small batches. In Oviedo, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened its very first Florida location earlier this year — a real milestone for a brand that’s been making ice cream since 1945.
What Other Shops Are Part of the Ice Cream Trail?
The full trail roster includes more than a dozen additional shops across the greater Orlando area, among them Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery, Crispy Cones, Gelato Go, JoJo’s Shake Bar, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Winter Park), Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream (Corrine Drive, Fern Creek Ave., Horizon West/Windermere, Maitland, and The Yard/Ivanhoe Village), Nola’s Ice Cream, One More Scoop, Sampaguita Ice Cream, Scoop’s Co., SMILE Ice Cream Company, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (Universal CityWalk), Twistee Treat, Vivoli il Gelato (Disney Springs), and Wafu.
What Local Ice Cream Shops Are Worth Visiting Outside the Trail?
Central Florida has plenty of local, independently owned ice cream shops that aren’t on the official trail but are well worth the trip. In DeLand, Rodeo Whip has been a Volusia County staple since 1983, serving homemade ice cream and shakes to generations of local families. In Mount Dora, Mystic Ice Cream brings homemade, all-natural flavors — plus a few playful adult options — to a charming spot near the town’s historic train depot. And in Historic Downtown Kissimmee, Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory makes ice cream fresh to order using liquid nitrogen, a fun, hands-on treat for Osceola County families.
What Does National Ice Cream Day Mean for Central Florida Residents?
National Ice Cream Day is a good excuse to explore what’s actually in your own backyard, whether that’s a trail stop or a local favorite. Whether you’re chasing points on the Ice Cream Trail before it wraps up July 31, or tracking down a hidden gem in DeLand, Mount Dora, or Kissimmee, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate across the counties I serve.
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